FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2001-132
FIVE PAPERS TO BE DELIVERED AT SEC HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MAJOR ISSUES CONFERENCE
Washington, DC, November 7, 2001—The Securities and
Exchange Commission today announced that the upcoming SEC
Historical Society’s Major Issue Conference on Securities
Regulation in the Global Internet Economy -- which is
sponsored by the Securities and Exchange Commission
Historical Society, in cooperation with the Commission and
with the support of the Northwestern University School of
Law -- will feature five papers that will explore the
fundamentals of securities regulation in the 21st century.
Each of the papers will provide a foundation for
discussion among distinguished panels of U.S. and foreign
securities regulators, stock market officials, accountants,
lawyers and academics.
“I believe these papers are timely and highly
provocative. While the positions taken in these papers are
the opinions of the respective authors, they will be a
catalyst for lively discussion among the panel members.
Success in developing public policy can only be achieved
through open and vigorous debate of the issues,” said SEC
Chairman Harvey L. Pitt. “I anticipate that everyone who
attends will gain a great deal of insight into the issues
that may shape the Commission's agenda in the coming years.
The Historical Society should take pride in its success
assembling such a distinguished group of panelists
representing such a wide spectrum of views and backgrounds.”
The papers will cover a broad array of regulatory
interests and challenges, including:
· “Recent Developments in SEC Information-Sharing
Arrangements” analyzes the concept of “sovereignty” and
jurisdiction in today’s complex, global markets and
discusses recent challenges to the ability of securities
regulators to share information across international
boundaries.
· “The Investment Company Act of 1940: At the
Frontiers”examines the ’40 Act and the emergence of
Mutual fund alternatives, including hedge funds, online
Portfolio services and wrap accounts.
· “Why We Still Need a National Market System” discusses
the core purposes of the national market system --
eliminating anticompetitive burdens and promoting cross-
market access to trading information -- at a time
technology is transforming the marketplace.
· “Accounting in a Global Market: Looking to the Future”
traces the recent history of efforts to create a global
financial system and suggests key issues that must be
resolved for an international financial accounting
system to be successful.
· “Building on the International Convergence of the
Global Markets: A model for Securities Law Reform” sets
Out fundamental goals that should underlie any effort to
facilitate raising capital in foreign markets without
sacrificing investor protection.
The conference will also feature addresses by U.S.
Senator Paul Sarbanes, Chairman of the Senate Committee on
Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Michel Prada, Chairman
of the French Commission des Operations de Bourse, and SEC
Chairman Harvey Pitt.
Supported by the SEC and the Northwestern School of
Law, the Major Issues Conference will take place November 14-
15 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1000 H Street NW in Washington,
D.C.
A complete list of conference speakers is attached, and
the entire agenda and registration form are available on the
Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. For additional
information, please contact R.A. Pete Wentz, Associate Dean,
Northwestern University School of Law at (312) 503-1828.
The Securities and Exchange Commission Historical
Society was founded in 1999. It works to preserve the
history of the SEC, to sponsor research and educational
programs regarding the SEC, and to enhance understanding of
the Unites States and world capital markets.
# # #